James Dasaolu relishes Bolt meeting

James Dasaolu says he is ready for the "big test" of facing Usain Bolt at the Anniversary Games.

"It's the Olympic Stadium in my home town and I just can't wait," said the Briton ahead of Friday's 100m.

Olympic champions Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah are also set to compete at the meeting to mark a year since the opening ceremony of London 2012.

Dasaolu, 25, became the second-fastest Briton in history when he ran 9.91 seconds at the British Championships.

"It's going to be a big test for me," he told BBC Sport, who is already looking ahead of next month's World Championships in Russia.

"It's a world-class field, two weeks before Moscow. It's a chance for me and everyone else to see where everyone is. I know the crowd will be amazing and it will be a good experience for everyone in the race."

Bolt's fastest time this year is 9.94 seconds, but the Jamaican, winner of the 100m and 200m at the last two Olympics and world record-holder at both distances, has no concerns about facing Dasaolu in a race that will also feature Briton Dwain Chambers.

Bolt told BBC Radio 5 live: "Over the years, I've really set the standard high. Over the years, a few have really stepped up.

"This is just another athlete stepping up, showing his class and showing that he is up to the challenge. I thrive on competition. I look forward to competing with him."

Ennis-Hill, 27, has been hampered by an Achilles problem in recent weeks but is set to feature at the three-day meeting, which takes place from 26 to 28 July.

She is scheduled to compete in the 100m hurdles and the long jump after throwing a personal best in the javelin and also taking part in the long jump at a meeting in Loughborough on Tuesday.

Ennis-Hill tweeted:  "My Achilles has responded well these past couple of days so Olympic Stadium here I come.

"Not the best preparation but I will give it my best shot."

Farah will also run at the Olympic Stadium, a year on from from winning two gold medals in London.

Greg Rutherford, who won the Olympic long jump on the same day that Ennis and Farah won golds, is missing the event because of a hamstring injury.

World 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene has an inflamed Achilles tendon and is also absent.

Farah, 30, who won gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m last year, takes part in the 3,000m at the Anniversary Games.

The Briton broke Steve Cram's 28-year 1500m British record at the Diamond League in Monaco on 19 July and believes he has made a significant improvement over the last 12 months.

"I'm stronger, more experienced," he said. "I'm definitely a better athlete than I was, but you have to go and do it when it matters."

Briton Perri Shakes-Drayton runs in the 400m hurdles on Friday, while Olympic 400m champion Kirani James is also in action.


Source: BBC